5 Egg Basket Recipes with Shredded Hash Browns
Shredded hash browns are a versatile ingredient that can transform a simple dish into something exciting and flavorful. With their crispy exterior and tender inside, hash browns provide a wonderful textural contrast to various ingredients. In this comprehensive blog post, we'll explore five egg basket recipes utilizing shredded hash browns, showcasing different flavor profiles and techniques to elevate your breakfast or brunch game. Whether you're a fan of traditional dishes with a twist or are seeking novel culinary creations, these recipes will inspire your next meal.
Cheesy Hash Brown and Egg Baskets
Let’s kick off with a classic favorite that’s been given a delightful upgrade. These cheesy hash brown and egg baskets are perfect for cheese lovers.
- Ingredients:
- 3 cups of frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1⁄4 cup melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)
- Cooking spray or additional melted butter for greasing
- Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large bowl, mix together the hash browns, cheese, melted butter, salt, and pepper. The mixture should be well combined.
- Divide the hash brown mixture evenly into the muffin cups, pressing up the sides to form a basket.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are golden and crispy.
- Remove from oven, gently crack an egg into each hash brown cup, careful not to break the yolk. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes, depending on how runny you like your eggs.
- Top with fresh chives before serving if desired.
Important Notes:
👩🍳 Note: Make sure the hash brown baskets are well packed to prevent them from collapsing when you add the egg.
Veggie-Packed Hash Brown Egg Cups
For those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet, these Veggie-Packed Hash Brown Egg Cups offer a colorful and nutritious start to the day.
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups of frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1⁄2 cup diced bell peppers (mix of colors)
- 1⁄4 cup diced onions
- 1⁄2 cup spinach, chopped
- 6 large eggs
- Salt, pepper, and any other spices you enjoy
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a muffin tin.
- In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté the bell peppers and onions until soft. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Set aside to cool.
- Mix hash browns with salt and pepper. Press into the muffin cups to form baskets.
- Spoon the cooled veggie mixture into each hash brown cup.
- Beat the eggs and pour over the veggies. Season as desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the eggs are set.
Spicy Hash Brown Taco Baskets
Infuse some heat and fun into breakfast with these Spicy Hash Brown Taco Baskets, combining the beloved flavors of taco night with a breakfast staple.
- Ingredients:
- 4 cups of frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- 6 large eggs
- 1⁄2 cup cooked and crumbled chorizo or ground beef
- 1⁄4 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Sliced jalapenos, salsa, sour cream, for serving
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a muffin tin.
- Mix hash browns with taco seasoning and press into muffin cups.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crispy. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Evenly distribute the chorizo or beef into the hash brown baskets.
- Crack an egg into each basket. Sprinkle cheese on top.
- Return to the oven for another 12-15 minutes or until eggs are cooked to your liking.
- Serve with jalapenos, salsa, and sour cream.
Important Notes:
🌶️ Note: Adjust the level of spice to your preference by choosing milder chorizo or adding more jalapenos.
Hash Brown and Egg Breakfast Skillet
Transition to a Hash Brown and Egg Breakfast Skillet, which is perfect for when you want to share a hearty meal or when you’re cooking for a crowd.
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups of frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 4 large eggs
- 1⁄2 cup diced ham or sausage
- 1⁄4 cup diced onions
- 1⁄4 cup diced red and green bell peppers
- 1⁄2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste
- Instructions:
- In a large oven-safe skillet, sauté the onions, bell peppers, and meat until cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Spread the hash browns evenly over the meat mixture, pressing them down slightly.
- Make four wells in the hash browns, crack an egg into each well.
- Sprinkle cheese over the top. Cover the skillet and cook on medium heat until the eggs are set to your liking.
- Alternatively, you can finish cooking in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and eggs are set.
Smoked Salmon Hash Brown Egg Cups
Elevate your egg baskets with a touch of elegance through these Smoked Salmon Hash Brown Egg Cups, ideal for special occasions or a luxurious brunch.
- Ingredients:
- 3 cups of frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1⁄4 cup finely chopped fresh dill, divided
- 1⁄2 cup crème fraîche or sour cream
- 4 ounces smoked salmon
- 6 large eggs
- Chives for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a muffin tin.
- Mix hash browns with 1 tablespoon of dill, and press into muffin cups to form baskets. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crispy.
- In each basket, place a small amount of crème fraîche, then top with a piece of smoked salmon.
- Crack an egg into each basket. Bake again for another 10-12 minutes or until eggs are set.
- Garnish with remaining dill, chives, and serve with lemon wedges.
Important Notes:
🍳 Note: Use the freshest eggs possible for the best flavor, especially when paired with high-quality smoked salmon.
In exploring these five egg basket recipes with shredded hash browns, we've ventured through various flavor profiles, from comfort food to gourmet. Each recipe harnesses the potato's natural qualities to create a unique and delightful dish. We've seen how hash browns can act as the foundation, vessel, and even a partner to other ingredients, resulting in a breakfast or brunch that is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor and texture. Whether you prefer something simple or crave an adventurous dish, there's an egg basket here for everyone. Keep in mind the versatility of these recipes; they can be adapted to suit dietary preferences, levels of spice, or available ingredients. Enjoy experimenting with these dishes and make them your own, and let your breakfast gatherings become a time of delight and culinary exploration.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
+
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Shred them, then soak in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, rinse, and pat dry before using. This helps to achieve a crispier texture.
How do I prevent the hash brown baskets from sticking to the muffin tin?
+
Generously grease the muffin tin with cooking spray or melted butter. You can also use parchment paper or muffin liners for extra precaution.
Can these recipes be made ahead of time?
+
Yes, many of these dishes can be prepared ahead. Bake the hash brown baskets without the eggs, store them in the fridge, and then crack fresh eggs into them when you’re ready to eat, baking until the eggs are set.